The Town of Wasaga Beach is anticipating another car rally this weekend and is reminding residents and visitors that police will be patrolling the municipality to enforce the rules of the road.
The rally is considered unauthorized by the town. Over the last two years, including during lockdowns, there have been multiple large-scale car rallies in Wasaga Beach.
Following a rally on September 24 through 26, in 2021, local police reported receiving 439 calls for service to areas in Clearview, Springwater and Wasaga during the rally weekend. Police had additional officers working in Wasaga Beach for the weekend. OPP had 70 vehicles towed from roadways for offences including 22 stunt driving charges, 33 unfit vehicles, and four impaired driving charges.
A report to Wasaga Beach town council by staff in 2021 estimated a cost of more than $46,000 for police overtime.
In 2020, during another rally, police set up at the entrances to Wasaga Beach and began turning away motorists who were not locals. Huronia West OPP Sgt. Jason Folz said there was a "disregard for any kind of rules at all."
He referred to the event as a car takeover.
Police are preparing for the anticipated rally this weekend, according to the town.
"Police will be enforcing safe driving regulations and other statutes to ensure public safety," states a news release from the Town of Wasaga Beach. "If you observe unsafe driving or other illegal activity, please contact the OPP. If you are visiting our community, welcome. Please remember to follow the rules."
